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Chicago Business Barometer Rises Amid Mixed Economic Signals

12/30/2025

27 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Chicago-area business activity rebounded in December 2025 as the MNI Indicators Chicago business barometer rose to 43.5 from 36.3 in November, still below 50.
The increase was driven by a significant rise in the new orders index, which climbed 11.8 points.
The production index rose to its highest level since March.
The employment index fell to its lowest since May 2009.
No respondents reported lower prices for the third consecutive month.

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Story summary

Chicago-area business activity rebounded in December 2025 as the MNI Indicators Chicago business barometer rose to 43.5 from 36.3 in November, still below 50.
The increase was driven by a significant rise in the new orders index, which climbed 11.8 points.
The production index rose to its highest level since March.
The employment index fell to its lowest since May 2009.
No respondents reported lower prices for the third consecutive month.